By Jason Genegabus

Jamm Aquino photo

It’s the last Friday of the month, which means “Barfly” returns once again to the pages of HiLife.

I was lucky to get Star-Bulletin staff photographer Jamm Aquino assigned to take pictures at Champions Sports Bar and Grill after I had already visited a few times. He’s one of my favorite shooters at the paper, always turning in work that showcases his creativity – like the image above.

Look closely… that server looks like a ghost, yeah?

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By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus video

Here’s the video I shot earlier this week during Colbie Caillat’s performance at the Sheraton Waikiki.

She didn’t perform for very long, but it was cool to see Justin Young up on stage with a national recording artist. Dude has come a long way, and he’s continuing to reach for the stars.

Weekend scoops coming up in a bit…

By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus photo

Malibu-based recording artist Colbie Caillat performed for a sold-out crowd as the headliner during this afternoon’s sold-out “Diversity Harmony Peace” concert at the Sheraton Waikiki.

The Na Lei Aloha Foundation produced the event, which also featured performances by Keola Beamer, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom, Raiatea Helm, Natalie Ai Kamauu, ‘Ulalena and Chamber Music Hawaii’s Spring Wind Quintet. Caillat was joined on stage by her three-piece touring band, which includes former local talent Justin Young.

“Diversity Harmony Peace” is part of the annual Lantern Floating Festival that took place yesterday at Ala Moana Beach Park.

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By Jason Genegabus

Star-Bulletin file photo

I’ve heard rumblings about this for a while, and now Star-Bulletin business reporter Erika Engle has gotten confirmation.

Elizabeth Watanabe, owner of the O Lounge, plans to get into the restaurant business later this year when she reopens the space that formerly housed Cassis (and Palomino before that) at Harbor Court.

I have fond memories of drinking martinis and judging bartending competitions in the lounge here, so I’m excited to see what she does with the place. Watanabe confirmed the restaurant will be open for pau hana during the week and late-night cocktails on the weekend.

Check out Erika’s story for more details.

By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus photos

Hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day. It’s not a holiday for me, however, so I’m staying on the grind and posting these shots from my adventures on Friday.

The above picture is my favorite – just after walking into the upstairs lounge at NextDoor, birthday boy DJ Eskae spotted me and made his approach.

Ever wonder what the proper reaction is when a party animal attacks? It’s simple, really.

FEED HIM SHOTS!!!

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By Jason Genegabus

Beatrix*JAR photo

Sorry… after being productive earlier in the day, I got a little sidetracked. Thanks NBA playoffs on TNT!

Lots of good reading material in this week’s HiLife… other than watching BJ Penn fight this weekend on pay-per-view, the event I’m most looking forward to is Beatrix*JAR’s (pictured) performance tomorrow night at the ARTS at Mark’s Garage.

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By Jason Genegabus

Soulja Boy photo

It’s an annual tradition during the 50th State Fair – along with the E.K. Fernandez midway of rides and games, various national recording acts are invited to entertain the teenage crowds who make up the majority of attendees each year.

In 2006, the 50th State Fair welcomed Rihanna and Raven-Symone. Last year saw live performances by Omarion and Lloyd.

Next month, things will get cranked to another level when Soulja Boy (pictured) makes his Hawaii debut.

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By Jason Genegabus

Star-Bulletin file photo

Did you know the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl is the only national cemetery that allows for lei to be placed at veterans’ graves?

It’s a Memorial Day tradition here, but there always seems to be shortage of lei. Once again, the call has gone out for donations; collection dates are Thursday and Friday at various locations.

You can also drop off loose plumeria at Sweet Blossoms Hawaii tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, or sign up for lei-making sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Visit their website for more details, or call 732-7668.

I’ve got two trees outside and plenty of plastic bags under the kitchen sink. Shouldn’t be too hard, even though I haven’t climbed a tree in YEARS.

By Jason Genegabus

Danity Kane photo

First heard about this a couple of weeks ago, but now it finally appears to be official: Danity Kane (pictured), Day26 and Donnie Klang will be in Honolulu next month when the “Making the Band 4″ tour arrives on June 27 at the Blaisdell.

According to a press release:

“After record-breaking back-to-back #1 album debuts by Danity Kane and Day26, P. Diddy decided it was time to put the hardest working bands in show business on a national tour.

With total sales exceeding 190,000, ‘Day26′ (which features the current hit, ‘Got Me Going’ and the upcoming single, ‘Since You Been Gone’) officially logged the biggest-selling debut album from a male R&B group in the 17-year history of SoundScan.”

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. June 27, with the concert scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $39, $49 and $69, go on sale Friday at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Call 735-0292 for more information, or listen to 102.7 Da Bomb for your shot at winning some tickets.

By Jason Genegabus

Cindy Ellen Russell photo

Things are picking up once again in Clubland, after a brief slowdown between Spring Break and finals week.

Sure, not everyone who parties in Honolulu attends college. And yeah, the “official” start of summer is Memorial Day.

But if you went out last weekend, it was pretty easy to spot the increase in club kids.

I’m starting my Friday at the Blaisdell, where local MMA legend Egan Inoue (pictured) returns to fighting after an extended absence.

Check out the story in today’s paper, or visit the Star-Bulletin’s “Fighting Words” blog for a complete lineup of tonight’s bouts.

More picks after the jump.

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